Peace

September 11th makes me think about peace. It's amazing that some people affected by violence can be "missionaries" for peace like the September 11th families for a peaceful tomorrow, www.peacefultomorrows.org.

Why do they hate us Americans so? We're a peaceful people.
Someone said that today and I remember hearing that said so often after September 11, 2001. To the folks that attacked the World Trade Towers, the Pentagon and crashed into a field in PA, we Americans are akin to the devil. They hate us because they've been taught to hate us by ingnorant teachers who happen to be Muslims who belive a version of Islam which is as far removed from the real thing as a brand of Christianity that would condone killing another for the sake of Jesus.

Also compared to the majority of the world we're rich. Most of us are not rich but compared to the standards of most folks we have money, homes, healthcare, education and stuff, in abundance.

Our government has power and has used it around the world to protect our economic and military interests. The people affected by our government's use and abuse of power don't feel very happy about being pushed around. We wouldn't like it either.
For a good article on why they hate us see:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/20/AR2007072001806.html

Many Americans are ignorant about our government's powerful role in other countries' affairs. Most of us, included many in Congress, swallowed the lies told that led us into attacking Iraq.
We have to pay more attention. For me as a follower of Jesus, I have to do more than be peaceful and be non violent in my daily arena. That's a start but not enough. I have to be responsible for my country as much as I am able. To me it means taking a more active role in contacting legislators and government officials and letting them know my views.

It's troubling that it so difficult to find politicians who values somewhat reflect mine. I might agree with one on my belief opposing abortion, but find that his/her value for human life is only for the unborn. If the rest of his or her values and voting record indicate little value for the lives of the poor, the foriegn, the criminal and the one whose country opposed our government's policy can I support that politician?

This is an ongoing struggle for me and I think needs to be a struggle. It would be easier if it were back and white. Simple. Struggling to do the right thing, the peaceful action isn't easy.

So I pray for peace and to be able to act in ways that lead to a more peace filled world.


World Peace Prayer
Lead me from death to life,
from falsehood to truth;
lead me from despair to hope,
from fear to trust;
lead me from hate to love,
from war to peace.
Let peace fill our heart,
our world, our universe. world.
Amen